Funny Story

by Emily Henry

“Things go smoother if you don’t let people get a rise out of you,” he says. “If you give them control over how you feel, they’ll always use it.” “Finally, I see your cynical side,” I say. He smiles, but his jaw is tight, and the smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “It’s not cynical. If you don’t give other people responsibility for your feelings, you can have a decent relationship with most of them.”

We paddle slowly, parallel to one another, the gradually lifting sun painting everything in pinks and golds. “I know it’s a cliché,” he says after a minute, “but being on the water always does feel like what I imagine church is for some people.” “I get that,” I say. “Out here, you’re small and there’s no one else around, but you’re not lonely. It’s like you’re connected to everyone and everything.” “Exactly,” he says. “And you remember to marvel. It’s so easy to forget how incredible this planet is.”